Challenger is the third in the arcade beat-em-up Victory Boxing series. It allows you to train up a fighter and take him from rags-to-riches.

Having been a great admirer of the first two games I suppose it was a little too much to expect a giant leap forward in graphical content. However, with so many recent titles virtually maxing out the 32-bit console I must admit to being slightly disappointed with Challenger. Comparing the slick movement, smooth textures and general handling of the 3D fighting characters in. say. Shao Lin. would be unfair. A better comparison would possibly be against another 'ring' game. But even then put up against Knockout Kings 2000 or Ready 2 Rumble would still prove to be a non-contest. Don't get me wrong. the graphics aren't poor. just nothing we haven't already seen before.

Similar to the first two games some of the visual effects are well presented as your chosen boxer grows in stature while his career moves forward. Watch as his body structure increases, his muscles expand, he even seems to grow taller. Should your boxer take a pummeling then his body gradually becomes battered and bruised. Red burn marks are spotted around his body, cut's and bruises appear on his face, while a couple of shiners are usually the only reward for a challenging nights work.

The music is filtered into the background, while the sound effects add to the overall atmosphere. "Ladies and Gentlemen. In the red corner..." screams the dapper announcer as he introduces the fighters. "Round One... Ding, ding!" The crowd roars on every attack, reaching fever pitch when an opponent is flattened. Every bone-crunching blow is exaggerated to the umpteenth degree with the more powerful special shots cracking like home like the sound of thunder. All through the fight you can hear constant advice from your corner such as "stay center of the ring", "back off!" or "take him out!"

With four gameplay modes (two locked during the early stages), the Main Event is the main highlight of the game. Here you get the opportunity to take a budding youngster and groom him into the Champion of the World. There are nine 'ready made' boxers initially up for grabs with the option to create your own specimen. Height, weight and style vary, while guts, stamina, life, power and speed are all qualities that are gained through experience. You are allowed a certain amount of freedom when choosing your next opponent so try to pick on someone who is on their way down the ladder rather than an upcoming new talent who is out to impress.

Those gamers who want to instantly perform multi-combo attacks and regard 'defense' as a swear word will hate Challenger. You see the gameplay suffers from the same old 'problems' as the previous VB games where starting out at the bottom of the ladder is a slow and laborious challenge. Your fighter will regularly get trapped on the ropes, constantly have his punches blocked and usually suffer 'a good old fashioned slapping'. but stick with it as experience gradually improves overall performance.

Martin
"Victory Boxing Challenger attempts to combine new graphics and fight modes with the best elements from both past games. However, if you already own both VB1 and VB2 then there is little reason to buy this title as it offers few fresh ideas in terms of gameplay.

Those new to the fold, be warned as it has a gameplay that grows on you, rather than smacks you straight between the eyes. Still... it's nice to play a fighting game that requires thought and tactics rather than frantic button mashing"